DRUG-USE PATTERNS AT MAJOR ROCK CONCERT EVENTS

Study objective: To describe alcohol and drug use patterns in patients presenting to first aid stations al major rock concerts Methods: We r etrospectively reviewed all charts generated a the first aid stations of five major rock concerts featuring the rock groups Pink Floyd, the Grateful Dead, and the Polling Stones. The first aid stations, located at a sports stadium, were staffed by paramedics, emergency medicine n urses, and physicians. We recorded the following data: patient demogra phics, history of drug or ethanol use, lime spent by patient in first aid station, treatment rendered, diagnosis, and patient disposition. R esults: A total of 253,286 spectators attended the five concert events . The rate of use of the first aid station was 1.2 per 1,000 patrons. The average age of the patrons was 26.3+/-7.9 years (range, 3 to 56 ye ars). The most common diagnoses were minor trauma 130 (42%) and ethano l or illicit drug intoxication 98 (32%). Of the patients treated, 147 (48%) admitted to using illicit drugs or ethanol while attending the c oncerts. The median time spent in the first aid station was 15+/-22.5 minutes(range, 5 to 150 minutes). One hundred patients (32.5%) were tr eated and released, 98 (32%) were transported to emergency departments , and 110 (35.5%) signed out against medical advice. Conclusion: Minor trauma and the use of illicit drugs and ethanol were common in specta tors presenting to first aid stations at these concert events. Physici ans and paramedical personnel working at rock concerts should be aware of the current drug use patterns and should be trained in treating su ch drug use.